Posted On:
06 NOV 2026 8:00PM by PIB Bhubaneswar
The 17th Odisha Environment Congress (OEC-2026), hosted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela on the theme “Environment and Technology,” concluded with a call for greater collaboration among scientists, policymakers, industries and communities to address environmental challenges through research, innovation and collective action.
Shri P. K. Jena, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, attended the valedictory ceremony as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the importance of technological innovation, interdisciplinary research and stakeholder participation in building climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable societies. He also stressed the need for evidence-based environmental governance and collective responsibility.
Eminent writer Shri Das Benhur, Distinguished Guest, inspired the audience, particularly young participants, through engaging stories and anecdotes highlighting environmental conservation and individual responsibility towards protecting nature.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the prestigious S. B. Mishra Green Corporate Award to NIT Rourkela, recognising the Institute's efforts towards environmental sustainability and maintaining a green, eco-friendly campus. The award was presented by Shri P. K. Jena and Shri Das Benhur and received by Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, along with Prof. Himanshu Bhushan Sahu, on behalf of the Institute.
In his valedictory address, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao emphasised that environmental protection requires individual commitment, particularly from the younger generation. Drawing on examples from campus life, he urged students to reduce plastic litter, minimise food wastage in hostels and adopt environmentally responsible practices. He stressed that small individual actions, when collectively embraced, can significantly contribute to environmental protection.
Another important highlight was the recognition of young innovators under the GreenThon initiative. Three teams from NIT Rourkela and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Chhend, Rourkela, received ₹50,000 each from Socratus Foundation, along with one year of mentorship support from NIT Rourkela to transform their innovative environmental ideas into practical solutions.
The Congress also presented the Prof. Radhamohan Green Ambassador Award, Dr. Ajay Kumar Parida Young Scientist Award and Abasar Beuria Nature Conservation Award, recognising outstanding contributions to environmental protection and scientific research. Young environmental champions, along with winners of the best research paper and poster presentations, were also felicitated.
Presenting an overview of the three-day Congress, Prof. S. K. Palita highlighted key deliberations on climate change, environmental governance, pollution control, renewable energy, sustainable mining, biodiversity conservation and emerging digital technologies for environmental monitoring.
Shri B. R. V. Susheel Kumar, former Director of Mines, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, shared insights on renewable energy transition and clean energy initiatives. Prof. Jagneswar Dandapat, Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, announced that the 18th Odisha Environment Congress will be hosted by Utkal University next year.
Shri Sudarsan Das, Organising Secretary, OEC, and Shri Devjit Mitra, Executive Director, Socratus Foundation, highlighted the importance of translating scientific research into actionable policies and grassroots environmental initiatives.
The Congress witnessed participation from 13 technical institutions, 13 state and central universities, 11 government organisations and undertakings, 10 NGOs and two international research organisations, providing a platform for interdisciplinary discussions and knowledge exchange.
Prof. Himanshu Bhushan Sahu, Organising Chair, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, delegates, organising partners and volunteers towards the successful conduct of the Congress.
Swadhin Shakti Prasad/Manoj Kumar Jali